Stand up for the Champions: Bullets seal 13th league title

Second half brace from Jafali Chande inspired Big Bullets to a hard fought 2-1 victory over Azam Tigers to officially seal the Malawi 2015 Super League title.

Before the kick off, the peoples team were only looking for a point in order to defend the title and they did it in style as they collected maximum points on the day.

In the field of play, it was Tigers who got an early lead through Bright Munthali who connected well a Yamikani Chester free kick, 1-0.

The goal aroused Bullets tempo as they pressurized the visitors in search for the much needed goals but Tigers defence was too stubborn to unlock.

Dalitso Sailesi was found unmarked by MacFallen Ngwira in the penalty box but he failed to connect well with the goalkeeper already beaten. Bullets had a goal disallowed for offside as Tigers opted to defend their slander lead.

Bullets had several shots at goal but the visitor’s shot stopper Enerst Kakhobwe was too good between the two sticks.

Chikondi Likwemba’s long range shot missed the goal mouth with an inch before another shot from Bashir Maunde some minutes later. At the other end, Munthali combined well with Chester only to fire wide from a close range.

Tigers were sitting back, defending, allowing Bullets to attack but the hosts were unlucky to find the leveller as Kakhobwe was very outstanding in goals for Kau Kau boys. Come second half, Bonda Mpinganjira and Mike Chitani paved way for Benard Harawa and Stain Pendame.

Maunde had his volley well saved Kakhobwe who was brilliant on the day.

However, Bullets leveled the scoreline just after 10 minutes in the half through Chande who headed in past Kakhobwe from a Yamikani Fodya’s master class cross.

Tigers could have restored back their lead through Munthal who was set through by Patrick Thupi but the latter failed to beat Chimwemwe Kumkwawa in goals for Bullets inside the penalty box. Fodya was at it again as his cross met substitute Niyikiza Aimable but the former Mzuni FC striker headed wide to the disappointment of the home fans.

However, Bullets’s wish was granted. A cross from the left flank of the field found Aimable who failed to control the ball, allowing Tigers to clear the danger away but MacFallen Ngwira flicked the ball straight to Chande who headed past Kakhobwe into the far post, 2-1.

Tempers were high as both Tigers technical panel were against some of the decisions made by the referee Ishmael Chizinga.

Bullets continued playing inside Tigers’ half as Chande, Aimable and Ngwira continued to terrorize the visitor’s defence but lacked the cutting edge towards the final phase.

Tigers had a clear chance to score but the first assistant referee’ flag was already up for an offside call and after 90 minutes of play, it ended 2-1 in favor of the champions.

Victory for Bullets sees them extending their lead at the top with 17 points with four games to play before wrapping up the season.

Bullets have broken a record they put some year ago by winning the league with four games to spare and they are the only side to win it for the 13th time since its inspection.

As for Tigers, they have played 9 games in the second round without a win.

At Chitowe Stadium, relegation threatened Airborne Rangers and Silver Strikers played out to a goalless draw.